Association of High-Density Lipoprotein Levels with Baseline Coronary Plaque Volumes by Coronary CTA in the EVAPORATE trial

This is the title of our just published manuscript in Atherosclerosis 305(2020):34-41 authored by Lakshmanan S, Shekar C,Kinninger A et al.

Data from 80 participants were analyzed from the EVAPORATE trial.Linear regression analysis as a univariate and multivariate model adjusted for significant CV risk factors was performed to evaluate independent association of HDL-C and baseline coronary plaque volumes as determined by coronary CTA(CCTA).

We describe for the first time in patients with coronary atherosclerosis ,on statin therapy with elevated triglycerides(200-499mg/dl) that increasing HDL-C levels were independently associated with lower volumes of baseline coronary plaque on CCTA including total non- calcified plaque(TNCP)(p=0.042) and total plaque(TP)(p=0.035) in all trial participants.

We also showed for the first time,in an exploratory analysis, that high HDL-C levels were independently associated with decreasing plaque volumes on CCTA in females ,when compared with male-statin treated participants with elevated triglycerides.

This is exciting information as we continue to improve our understanding on the role of HDL-C in the atherosclerotic pathway.